Toyota: No convertible, no turbo 86

[Taro]

Sorry if this is a repost.

Scion Will Not Build A Convertible Or Turbo FR-S

FR-S fans that want an open roof, taste the sad. Miata fans, taste the happy. The Toyota FT-86 Open Concept will not enter production. And neither will a high-powered turbo FR-S.

The FT-86 Open was Toyota's vision of an open top 86/GT86/FR-S and it looked damn good. But there were a few issues. First, open top cars that aren't designed that way from the outset lose a lot of rigidity and gain oodles of weight.

It seems the FR-S Convertible hit road blocks like that, as well as cost. It would be a low volume car and would then be too expensive. That means it would no longer compete with the Miata on price. And that means there would be no point to it.

The cost problem also hit plans for a low volume turbo FR-S. We've driven the car a number of times and loved it as is, but the chassis is plenty capable of adding some horsepower and still being seriously awesome. Unfortunately, it seems the cost was too much to make the investment.



Source: Jalopnik

[bkblitzed]

just like i always said, the car would be close to 40k if they put out a turbo model, which just isn't worth it. Im glad it's staying NA from the factory.

[Buddhalite]

Originally Posted by bkblitzed

just like i always said, the car would be close to 40k if they put out a turbo model, which just isn't worth it. Im glad it's staying NA from the factory.

Agreed! Had I wanted a convertible I would have bought a Miata. Instead I got an awesome drivers car that's actually practical with storage.

[Tromatic]

Good. An original, stock (or close to it) unmolested (non-rice) first-year FR-S is going to be more valuable, not less.

[BlueDubbinTDI]

So now do we just wait and see if an FA25 is true or is Toyota just being a huge tease (liar) on this "more power" 2015 model you think?

[Re~Mix]

Your source article is almost 2 months old, Toyota has since confirmed there will be a power bump of some sort when the design cycle changes (3-5 years) either through hybrid, turbo, NA, etc.

Next time dig a bit further Here's to hoping TRD provides some sort of boost!

[Braces]

The cost problem also hit plans for a low volume turbo FR-S. We've driven the car a number of times and loved it as is, but the chassis is plenty capable of adding some horsepower and still being seriously awesome. Unfortunately, it seems the cost was too much to make the investment.



Source: Jalopnik[/QUOTE]


Seems like there have been some issues with the existing transmission and axles. Hard to believe the chassis can handle more power. Just sayin.

[BANGER]

That's a shame. While I'm not interested in the convertible myself, I found it attractive and I think the Miata can enjoy some nice competition. Plus I wouldn't mind seeing it on the road myself.

[bdanisi]

Originally Posted by BlueDubbinTDI

So now do we just wait and see if an FA25 is true or is Toyota just being a huge tease (liar) on this "more power" 2015 model you think?

Im just wondering if the fa25 would handle the same way, I dont know enough about engines from a technical standpoint, but would the potential fa25 be as well balanced as our current babies? Because Im cool with not having a ton of power, I have yet to be outhandled by any car other than FI 86s haha on canyon runs or spirited cornerning, Im serious this car handles so disgustingly well, the lack of power is noticeable, but again not why most of us bought this car.

[strat61caster]

Originally Posted by Re~Mix

Toyota has since confirmed there will be a power bump of some sort when the design cycle changes (3-5 years) either through hybrid, turbo, NA, etc.

No they haven't.

http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=46670

"The development work is quite advanced now, so if the green light is given, we are ready to do it."

http://www.carbuzz.com/news/2013/9/1...ybrid-7716176/

Development does not equal "confirmed". There's probably hundreds of prototypes developed over the past decade that never got built. Building prototypes does not mean anything will happen. I bet there's FWD Subaru's and RWD Hondas and Mazda 6's with Rotaries and a Mustang Hybrid, doesn't mean any of those will see the light of day.

But yes this article is old news, I think they'll sell a convertible but in small numbers but I doubt there will be a turbo.

Edit for reference here's the original source of the OP's article:
http://www.autonews.com/article/2013...#ixzz2aZ4AExlf
Which has no cited source I can see, looks like the author pulled it out of his ass or an unnamed press conference or by holding a PR guy at knifepoint

[cf6mech]

Convertible's are chicks cars anyways.

[Anthony]

I sure as hell wouldn't want a convertible, but if they actually released one, they'd get a few more sales. Not that they would necessarily get a return on their investment, but there would be a handful more 86's on the road, which means even more motivation for the aftermarket, which is good for all of us.

But yeah, as far as I know, in almost every car that has a convertible/roadster version as well as a standard fixed roof version, the convertible is always less stiff. Unacceptable.

A roof is actually a performance part, as weird as that is to think about.

[FReeSky]

I'm glad, the frs is the type of car you build it on your own

[Turbowned]

It's fine if you ask me; let the Miata be the choice for open top motoring!